Community Spotlight: The Charles River

In recent years, the City of Boston has also put in a lot of work into cleaning up the Charles, making it one of the cleanest urban rivers in the country. Cherish the last few weeks of summer by getting to know this beautiful and lively area of the city.

Walk the Esplanade

The Esplanade is a state-owned park on the banks of the Charles in Back Bay—and it’s a Boston landmark too! It spans for three miles along the Boston shore, starting from the Boston Museum of Science to the Boston University Bridge. It is home to various playgrounds, ball fields, tree-lined walking paths (over five miles!), and even the iconic Hatch Memorial Shell.

Have a good old fashioned “dock-sit”

There are several docks that line the Charles allow you to sit out on the river and have a picnic while taking in the Boston or Cambridge skyline.

Play ball at Fiedler Field

Stop by Fiedler Field to practice your favorite sport or play some games as a family. Maybe even use this green space to host your own Family Olympics or scavenger hunt!

Float on a Kayak

On any given day, you will see single and double kayaks floating up and down the river. Kayaking the Charles is one of the most popular activities to do in Boston and offers some of the best views of the city skyline. If you’re an avid kayaker or just interested in giving it a try, Charles River Canoe & Kayak operates two main rental locations—one by MIT/Kendall Square in Cambridge and another in Allston/Brighton in Boston. Kayaks aren’t free, but they’re affordable. Look up the hourly rates for kids and adults here.

Enjoy Live Music

Every Saturday and Sunday during the summer the Charles River Bistro hosts an outdoor Brunch from 8am–1pm with free, live music performances.

Bring your bikes

Cyclists of all ages can bike along its Paul Dudley White Bike Path, an 18 mile loop that starts at the Museum of Science and runs along both sides of the Charles River to Watertown Square.

So grab a pair of comfy shoes, sunscreen, and some healthy snacks and enjoy some active fun in the sun on the Charles today!